Calendar: Apple tree pruning maximizes fruit quality, quantity

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals will be 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at Winnebago County Extension, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

This apple pruning workshop will cover the science and artistry behind proper pruning, empowering you to maximize your harvest while maintaining healthy, beautiful trees for years to come. The skills you learn in this course will prepare you to prune your fruit trees in the dormant season of mid-December to late February when pruning should be done.

Proper pruning is the difference between a productive orchard and a disappointing harvest. Many apple growers struggle with overgrown, diseased, or poorly shaped trees that produce small, low-quality fruit. Learn techniques that commercial orchardists use to maximize both fruit quality and quantity, while developing the confidence to make decisions that will benefit your trees for decades.

This comprehensive classroom workshop combines expert instruction with personalized guidance for your specific trees. Before class, participants will have the opportunity to submit photos of their fruit trees, which will be analyzed to create customized pruning plans tailored to your orchard’s unique needs.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ywjdx8fz.

Nonprofit Interagency Meeting

ANGOLA, Ind. — Steuben County Nonprofit Interagency Meeting will be noon to 1 p.m. ET Nov. 26 at Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola.

Network with area nonprofits to learn about services being offered in Steuben County. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/mmvhpe8z.

Giving Tuesday

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — DuPage Friends of Extension will celebrate Giving Tuesday with an online fundraiser beginning Dec. 2. The goal is to raise $10,000 through Dec. 31.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. The annual celebration of generosity is the Tuesday following Thankgiving.

DuPage Friends of Extension is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised completely of volunteers. Proceeds benefit University of Illinois Extension programs, including 4-H Youth Development, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and Nutrition Education.

To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/yy5tns2j.

Happy Hands Art Club

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Happy Hands Art Club, a welcoming space where creative kids can express themselves freely through hands-on art projects, will be 5 to 5:30 p.m. ET Dec. 1, Dec. 7 and Dec. 15 at Johnnie Mae Farm, 2518 Winter St., Fort Wayne.

This inclusive art experience is designed especially for elementary-aged children with autism or sensory processing differences who thrive with structure, creativity, and compassionate guidance.

Each 30-minute class offers an opportunity to explore different art materials — from paint and clay to collage and textured crafts — within a calm, supportive, and sensory-considerate environment.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/yj4rzr4b.

Don’t Go It Alone

URBANA, Ill. — Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections will be 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 2 at Salt & Light, 1813 Philo Road, Urbana.

Extension Family Life Educator Emily Harmon will present an informative workshop focusing on social isolation in adults.

This program explores social isolation and strategies for overcoming its challenges, as well as ways to stay connected with others.

Evergreen Porch Pots

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The Youth Holiday Evergreen Porch Pots Workshop will be 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Macoupin County Extension, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

Natural materials such as fresh evergreens, foliage, pinecones, berries and more will be provided to build an evergreen porch pot.

The program for youth ages 8 to 18 also will be offered 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Christian County Extension, 1120 N Webster St., Taylorville; and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Montgomery County Extension, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/53h9zaau.

4-H Annual Meeting

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Allen County 4-H Annual Meeting will be Dec. 2 at the Allen County Fairgrounds in the Administration Building, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne.

Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the meeting beginning at 7 p.m. New board members will be elected.

RSVP by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mt5rmkbu. For information on becoming a 4-H adult volunteer, call 260-481-6440.

BQA Training

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Beef Quality Assurance Training will be 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Elizabeth Community Center, 402 West St., Elizabeth.

Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated, state-implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers with knowledge to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA guidelines are designed to make certain all beef consumers can take pride in what they purchase — and can trust and have confidence in the entire beef industry.

Other BQA training events will be 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Kountry Kitchen, 105 E. Main St., Teutopolis; 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Reel Livestock Center, 174 Danvers Road, Congerville; 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Greenville Livestock Auction, 840 Illinois Route 127, Greenville; 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 West Prairie Drive, Sycamore; and 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Fairview Sale Barn, 1120 Carter Road, Fairview.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y6nf72tr. For more information, call the Illinois Beef Association at 217 787-4280 or visit illinoisbeef.com.

Dried Flower Ornaments

NASHVILLE, Ill. — The Dried Flower Ornament Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Washington County Extension Education Center, 9623 Wall St., Nashville.

Learn how to dry your flowers and make an ornament you can give as a gift or use in your holiday decorations every year.

The workshop also will be offered 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Clinton County Extension, 163 N. Fourth St., Breese; and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Jefferson County Extension, 4202 Williamson Place, Suite 2, Mt. Vernon.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4zu2tfae.

Holiday Fest

DANVILLE, Ind. — Holiday Fest will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Dec. 5 in the Conference Center at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, 1900 E. Main St., Danville.

The event will include a cookie walk, hot cocoa booth, and craft vendors offering unique gifts with free gift wrapping. Visit with Mrs. Claus and enjoy holiday music from the Homemakers Chorus.

Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will include chicken and noodles, vegetable soup, and hot dogs.

The event is sponsored by Hendricks County Extension Homemakers and Hendricks Power Cooperative.

For more information, contact the Extension office at 317-745-9260, or visit https://tinyurl.com/jtt7bu59.

Holiday Open House

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Holiday Open House will be 5 to 7 p.m. ET Dec. 5 at Johnnie Mae Farm, 2518 Winter St., Fort Wayne.

There will be light refreshments, fun seasonal activities, and a warm celebration of community and cheer.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/2ane7bjd.

Card Making

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Card Making program will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET Dec. 9 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Join in the fun of making three beautiful cards for someone special.

Cost is $10. To register and for more information, call 260-481-6826 or visit https://tinyurl.com/mrr6rvxf.

Green Connections Celebration

PEORIA, Ill. — Green Connections End of Year Celebration will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 at Peoria Zoo, 2320 N. Prospect Road, Peoria.

Green Connections events are continuing education programs for Extension master gardeners, master naturalists, and Conservation@Home members. They are also open to the general public.

Growing gardens, embracing nature, and sustaining conservation in Illinois are the goals for these learning and networking opportunities.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2z3mzhpy.

Birding Walk

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Birding Walk with Master Naturalist Lily Glaeser will be 8:30 to 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve, 2100 W. Chautauqua Road, Carbondale.

Learn to identify our feathered friends. All ages and experiences are welcome. Binoculars will be available for use.

Managing Stress

GOSHEN, Ind. — Stress and Your Health educational program will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET Dec. 10 at Elkhart County Extension, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

This program is designed to provide practical strategies and techniques that you can use during high-stress situations.

Participants will learn effective coping skills to manage stress, improve resilience, and regain a sense of balance in daily life.

Register for this free program by calling 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ydd2an2j.

Ag Outlook Breakfast

VINCENNES, Ind. — Agriculture Outlook Breakfast will be 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 401 Felt King Drive, Vincennes.

Topics will include Corn Diseases and Mycotoxins; Herbicide Injury and Mode of Action; and 2025 Regulatory Update.

RSVP by contacting Valerie Clingerman at 812-882-3509, or clingerman@purdue.edu.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ynuxskrj.

Holiday Table Garland

ELIZABETH, Ill. — The Holiday Table Garland Workshop will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Learn how to craft your own holiday table garland using fresh evergreens. Participants will leave with a beautiful centerpiece to take home for their holiday table. All materials will be provided, including a variety of fresh evergreens and decorative accents.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/u59t9p3y.

Healthy Holiday Habits

FREEPORT, Ill. — Healthy Holiday Habits will be 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Stephenson County Senior Resource Center, 206 E. Stephenson St., Freeport.

Connecting with others, especially during the holiday season, can foster a sense of peace and belonging, whether attending family gatherings, community events, or simply sharing a meal with friends. However, it can also bring busy schedules, tempting treats, and emotional ups and downs, making it harder to stay on track with your wellness goals.

Learn practical tips and strategies to navigate the holiday season, make healthier food choices, manage stress, prioritize self-care, build meaningful connections, and stay on track with wellness goals, all while still enjoying the season.

Holiday Charcuterie Boards

PANA, Ill. — The Art of Healthy Holiday Charcuterie Boards will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 11 at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Learn the art of crafting beautiful, balanced charcuterie boards featuring seasonal fruits, cheeses, whole grains and proteins. Discover how to pair flavors like a pro, select nutritious ingredients, and keep your spread safe with smart storage and food safety tips. Elevate your holiday gatherings with a board that’s as wholesome as it is impressive.

Bi-State Crops Conference

COVINGTON, Ind. — The Bi-State Crops Conference will be 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET Dec. 12 at The Beef House Restaurant, 16501 IN-63, Covington.

Farmers and agricultural professionals across Illinois and Indiana are invited to attend a one-day crops conference featuring leading experts from both states who will share the latest research and management strategies to improve crop production and profitability.

Session highlights will include :

• Fertilizer management: Giovani Preza Fontes, Illinois field crop research and Extension specialist, will discuss recent findings on nitrogen and sulfur fertilization in Illinois cropping systems, including N timing for soybeans and nutrient strategies for conservation systems such as strip-till, no-till, and cover crops.

• Corn production: Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension corn specialist, will share insights from trials comparing short-stature and full-stature corn hybrids, exploring how row spacing, seeding rate, and nitrogen management affect performance.

• Disease management: Boris Camiletti, Illinois field crop pathology and Extension specialist, will outline approaches to managing key corn and soybean diseases, including tar spot, red crown rot, and southern rust, focusing on fungicide timing, integrated crop protection, and digital tools for informed decision-making.

Cost is $35, with lunch included. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2888a9cs.